Nahanni Fontaine facts for kids

Nahanni Fontaine (born in 1971) is a Canadian politician from the province of Manitoba. She is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, which is like the provincial parliament. She represents the area called St. Johns.

Ms. Fontaine was first elected in 2016 and then again in 2019. She belongs to the New Democratic Party (NDP). Since October 2023, she has also served as the Minister of Families for Manitoba. This means she helps make decisions and lead programs that support families in the province.

Early Life and Education

Nahanni Fontaine was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She grew up in an area of the city called Point Douglas.

She went to the University of Winnipeg. There, she earned a degree in environmental development. This field focuses on how people interact with their environment. Later, she earned a master's degree from the University of Manitoba in Native Studies. This area of study explores the history, cultures, and issues of Indigenous peoples.

Awards and Recognition

Nahanni Fontaine has received special awards for her work. In 2013, she was given the Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case. This award celebrates people who have worked to advance equality for women in Canada.

Family Connections

Nahanni Fontaine is the niece of Vince Fontaine. He is a well-known musician.

Political Elections

Nahanni Fontaine has been elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) multiple times. An MLA is a person elected to represent a specific area, or "riding," in the provincial government.

She has successfully won elections in the St. Johns riding in:

• The 2016 Manitoba general election
• The 2019 Manitoba general election
• The 2023 Manitoba general election